Local elections will be taking place across Greater Manchester on 4 May, including in the city of Manchester.
Here’s your guide to what you need to know.
What election is taking place in Manchester?
A third (33) of councillors on Manchester City Council are to be elected, with 143 candidates seeking election.
There is one place on the council for each of the 32 wards, with the retirement of Ardwick’s Bernard Priest meaning there is one more than usual.
Who can vote in the elections?
Whilst the deadline to register to vote was on 17 April, those registered can vote provided they are:
- 18 or over
- A British, Commonwealth, Irish, or EU Citizen
- Able to present a form of photographic ID or a Voter Authority Certificate.
Who is standing for election in Manchester?
Councillors standing for re-election include Pat Karney in Harpurhey, who in 2020 was accused and later cleared of bullying a Lib Dem councillor and was for a long time involved in debate about the infamous Piccadilly Gardens wall; Jade Doswell in Fallowfield; and Matthew Benham in Chorlton, who was elected in an October 2021 by-election.
Running for election to the council in Northenden is Sir Oink A-Lot – the Monster Raving Loony Party’s candidate.
The Green Party believes its best chance of election is Anastasia Wiest, 27, in Woodhouse Park in Wythenshawe, where the party won a second seat in 2022.
She said: “If elected, I would love to be a voice for young people in my ward, who are underrepresented in politics.
“I also hope I can inspire more people to engage in politics by demonstrating that people should be able to expect active and caring local politicians.”
What does the current council look like in Manchester?
The Labour Party dominates Manchester City Council, with 90 seats compared to the Liberal Democrats’ two. The Green Party is currently the official opposition in Manchester, with three council seats after Ekua Beyunu’s defection from Labour last year. One council seat is currently vacant.
What are the issues being debated in Manchester?
Manchester’s Labour Party claims it can show it is delivering on every one of its 2022 election pledges. These include social housing, tackling poverty and helping the community through the cost of living crisis, as well as investing in parks, green spaces and community centres.
The Green Party in Manchester is running on a manifesto called “A fairer, greener Manchester”, with a key pledge that single fares on all local bus routes will cost £1.
When and where can I vote?
Polling stations open on 4 May at 7am and close at 10pm.
You can find your nearest polling station here or on your polling card.
When will the results be announced?
The results will be counted on Friday 5 May, with Mancunian Matters bringing you all the latest results from all of Greater Manchester as they’re announced.
Check the website throughout the day and overnight to get all the latest news, interviews and any updates all through the weekend.
Photo by Kelly Mattison, 2022
